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The declaration of an agreement projected to lead to the release captives held in the Gaza Strip for over two years has caused joy and comfort throughout the nation.

An organization which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it called an “historic breakthrough”.

The agreement—still requiring agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in return for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have come back—most as part of earlier truce agreements—51 bodies have been recovered while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings took place in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, Yael, aged 50, cried as she watched the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness them come back home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians celebrate deal
• ANALYSIS: Significant progress, but war not over yet

Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker set off fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They are returning!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her daughter.

Viki Cohen, the mother of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, posted on social media: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy was palpable throughout the avenues in Tel Aviv after the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their brother Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, and her body recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of all those still detained within Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is real. We have waited for so long and here it is,” he said.

He said he was “broken” that his cousin will not be among those coming back to their homes but was “glowing with joy” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel along with his brother.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, remarked she experienced like she was living “in a dream”.

“We’re more than grateful to President Trump and everything he has accomplished for us. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and hugging Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until the end,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur until the last moment which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and ensure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once we have the last hostage back home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier this year.

Associated Updates

• ‘Historic chance’: Global response to first stage of Gaza agreement
• Known details about the ‘first phase’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group